Optical telegraphy, 19th century
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Optical telegraphy, 19th century
Optical telegraphy. Historical artwork of a light- signalling device used in optical telegraphy. This is a Mangin projector, invented by colonel Mangin in the early 1880s. It was designed to be used as either a reflector of sunlight or an oil-fuelled lamp. The range over which it could be seen varied from 20-100 kilometres, depending on the weather, whether it was day or night, and whether it used sunlight or oil. It was used by the military to send messages by optical telegraphy. Mangin was a French colonel, and the projector was used by the French in Tunisia, and later by many other armies, including the British, Russians and Belgians. From La Telegraphie Historique (Alexis Belloc, 1888)
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Media ID 6431213
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1880s 1888 Apparatus Communication Communications Device French La Telegraphie Historique Lamp Light Military Mirror Night Optical Projector Reflector Signal Signalling Telecommunication Telecommunications Telegraph Telegraphy Visual Belloc Flashing Mangin
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a significant advancement in communication technology during the 19th century - optical telegraphy. The historical artwork depicts a Mangin projector, an ingenious device invented by Colonel Mangin in the early 1880s. This versatile apparatus served as both a reflector of sunlight and an oil-fueled lamp, enabling long-distance signaling through light. With its remarkable range varying from 20 to 100 kilometers, depending on weather conditions and time of day, this innovative projector played a pivotal role in military communications. Originally utilized by the French army in Tunisia, it soon found its way into the arsenals of various other nations including Britain, Russia, and Belgium. The intricate illustration beautifully captures the essence of this technological marvel with its colored depiction of flashing lights emanating from the projector. It symbolizes how visual signals were employed to transmit messages swiftly across vast distances. As we delve into history through this image, we witness not only the evolution of telecommunications but also gain insight into how military strategies were revolutionized by such advancements. La Telegraphie Historique (Alexis Belloc's publication from 1888) serves as our window into this fascinating era where light became language and distance was conquered through innovation. Science Photo Library presents us with yet another glimpse into humanity's relentless pursuit for improved means of communication – an enduring testament to our ingenuity and progress throughout centuries past.
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